WPTZ Chief Meteorlogist Tom Messner says snow has arrived across the northern half of the Champlain Valley. Snow accumulations will range from three-to-seven inches across the mountains and valley floors. Other places can expect to see light mixed precipitation. A more potent storm on Sunday will bring milder air and result in a changeover to rain with a chance of significant ice accumulations possible.

Ice accumulation is a concern for utility crews.

“When ice becomes a half-an-inch thick, tree limbs break and power lines sag, and outages can be extensive,” says Liz Gamache of Vermont Electric Co-op, adding that the company is very concerned about the storm’s potential to turn severe and seriously impact the company’s service territory.

According to National Grid President Kenneth Daly, the utility company has been preparing and planning for the storm all week. It says its moved crews and resources to strategic locations throughout its terroritory, but has a special focus on northern New York.